Miniature Sofrehs, November 2025
Reflecting the symbolism of the traditional Persian sofreh, a series of miniature sofreh arrangements were put on display for a private exhibition and presented on the social media pages of SOFREH throughout November. They were a delicate homage to the Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd) and the New Year or Nowruz sofreh (sofreh-ye haft sinn).
Tiny and minuscule vessels, mirrors, bouquets, sculptures and pouches were elegantly and creatively featured, while incorporating many of the symbolic elements of the Persian sofrehs. Even thimbles or thimble-sized vessels served as vases and containers. The result was eight very original miniature sofrehs in different formats, styles and colour schemes—three echoing the sofreh-ye haft sinn and five the sofreh-ye aqd.
This video clip from the first sofreh, set on a 50×30 cm modern steel and glass butler’s tray, echoes the sofreh-ye haft sinn. To add interest, a length of fabric in tones of beige is elegantly draped underneath the tray. At the heart of sofreh sits a small block of germinated wheat (sabzeh), a symbol of rebirth. A pair of miniature antique Persian silver vases holds crab apples (sib). Tiny sheaves of wheat, a symbol of blessing and abundance, as well as gold-finish eggs and miniature dried pomegranates, both symbols of fertility, are on display. Vinegar (serkeh), a symbol of patience, is presented in a miniature porcelain jug embellished with grapes. An antique silver miniature mirror is placed between the sabzeh and noql (Persian sugared almonds), which is flanked by a pair of miniature containers of gilded coins (sekkeh), a symbol of wealth and prosperity. This original sofreh is illuminated by the flames of a pair of tea lights, placed inside a pair of miniature glass cloches.
This second sofreh, set on a 40×32 cm plexiglass occasional table, echoes the sofreh-ye aqd. Individual gold-finish cake boards provide luminosity. Tiny sheaves of wheat and an antique miniature mirrored jug of rosewater take centre stage. Miniature bouquets of Hypericum, snowberry, wax flower, florets of hydrangea and foliage are presented in antique miniature porcelain teapots. Unconventionally, an antique Chinese silver-finish scribe’s inkwell and penholder is included, with the inkwell decorated with florets. A pair of antique porcelain vessels contains seeds of rue (esfand) in their pods embellished with a single dried miniature rosebud. Burning esfand is believed to have evil-averting powers. In the forefront, minuscule sculptured birds, representing the married couple, are placed on a fragment of antique lace. The sofreh is softly illuminated by a pair of tea lights, placed on antique miniature porcelain vessels.
This third sofreh, which covers a surface of about 50×50 cm, echoes the sofreh-ye haft sinn. An antique silver-plated miniature galleried tray, which substitutes the customary mirror, is flanked by a pair of petite candles. The floral display made of different shades of Hypericum, berries and Eucalyptus populus, placed at the heart of the arrangement, has an enchanting reflection. Rose gold-finish boxes contain a small silver-plated jug of vinegar (serkeh) embellished with grapes, gold-finish dried pomegranates and a small lidded silver-plated vessel of translucent crystal sugar. The row of boxes is embellished with sprigs of Eucalyptus populus. Gilded coins (sekkeh) pour out of a delicate antique purse, flanked by sculptured miniature apples and dried ornamental pomegranates. Miniature sculptured goldfish substitute live goldfish (mahi). As water creatures, fish signify plenitude and blessings, among other virtues.
This fourth sofreh, set on a 38×29 cm gold-framed platter lined with a length of antique lace, echoes the sofreh-ye aqd. An intricate antique miniature bronze vase with a cameo adornment contains a delicate bouquet of wax flowers, snowberries and foliage. An exquisite miniature French antique bronze frame holding mirror mosaics, which is placed at the heart of the sofreh, is flanked by a pair of small gold-finish walnuts, a symbol of fertility. There are also pairs of small gold-finish apples and dried pomegranates, symbolizing life and fertility, on display. The cup of the miniature set of porcelain cup and saucer contains seeds of rue (esfand) in their pods, embellished with a single dried miniature rosebud. Burning esfand gives off a pleasant aroma and is believed to have evil-averting powers. This compact arrangement is softly illuminated by a pair of tea lights, placed in miniature gold-rimmed porcelain holders.
This fifth sofreh, which covers a surface of about 50×50 cm, echoes the sofreh-ye aqd. The customary mirror and flames are portrayed by a small French antiquated wood-framed mirror from a church and a pair of tea lights placed in gold-rimmed glass holders. Gold-finish sculptured apples and open pomegranates represent life and fertility. The arrangement is beautifully decorated with a pair of miniature displays of the berries of the snowberry plant and a delicate arrangement of a mixture of wax flowers, snowberries, Hypericums and Eucalyptus populus. The statuettes of a pair of birds represent the married couple. As discussed in SOFREH: The Art of Persian Celebration, in bygone days it was customary for seven gems to be “rolled around in a mortar to bring good luck”. If you wish to order a copy, please visit The Book page. Here, a miniature brass mortar containing pearls echoes that ritual. This serene and subtle sofreh is embellished with lengths of fine antique ivory lace.
This sixth sofreh, set on a 45×30 cm antique galleried silver-plated and glass tray, echoes the sofreh-ye haft sinn. At its heart rest a mirror and a compact volume of an antique hand-written Qur’an, flanked by flames for light and greenery for renewal. Other symbolic elements of the sofreh-ye haft sinn are included too: sumac (somaq), garlic (sir) and a statuette of goldfish. Vinegar (serkeh) is presented in tiny antique porcelain teapots, placed next to clusters of colourful grapes. Also featured are miniature antique containers of sugared almonds (noql) embellished with antique gold coins (sekkeh), a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Ornamental dried pomegranates and tiny bouquets of miniature flowers, berries and foliage add life and vibrance to the sofreh, while in the forefront a minuscule antique silver tea set holds hydrangea florets and rice, a symbol of blessing and abundance (barekat).
This seventh sofreh, set on a 50×35 cm antique silver-plated tray, echoes the sofreh-ye aqd. It features miniature vases of tiny bouquets of wax flower and foliage, a pair of minuscule antique silver mirrors, as well as crystal and silver flasks of rosewater (golab). Antique silver-plated vesta cases, a pill box holding fresh and dried flowers, and thimbles used as bud vases add delicate touches. A pair of antique silver nut dishes holds Persian sugared almonds (noql), adorned with antique gold coins, while another pair presents translucent crystal sugar (nabat). Symbols of festivity, noql o nabat, are central to Persian celebrations. Flames of tea lights softly illuminate the display. An antique silver vessel contains seeds of rue (esfand) in their pods, embellished with wax flower florets. In the forefront, minuscule sculptured birds represent the married couple and herald good fortune.
This video clip from the last and very original sofreh, set inside a 63×45 cm elaborate antique gold-finish frame, echoes the sofreh-ye aqd. An antique French jewellery box, which is flanked by delicate blue glass vases of wax flowers and florets of blue hydrangea, displays crab apples and a blue and white thimble to complement the blue tones of the floral displays, which are softly illuminated by a pair of flames. Gold-finish quail eggs, a pair of walnuts, and sculptured apples are on display. In keeping with the customs of the sofreh-ye aqd, at the heart of the arrangement, miniature paisley patterns have been created with painted seeds of rue, placed on a miniature antique frame. The pattern is complemented by a gold-finish paisley. Small, softly gold-painted sheaves of wheat are presented in tiny pouches made of antique Persian textiles. Other colourful pouches, including an intricately decorated central pouch containing gilded coins or the bride’s makeup, are on display.
